Choosing a single pair of designer sneakers to splurge on is a challenge. Fortunately, as a shopping writer with an extensive sneaker collection— from trendy new sneakers to classically cool white sneakers—I'm here to help with this go-to list of the best designer sneakers for everyday wear. I also turned to Rickie De Sole, Women's Fashion Director at Nordstrom, to answer your most important questions about designer sneakers, plus break down the sneaker silhouettes that are both trending and timeless.
Trending Designer Sneakers
Historically, designer sneakers have been associated with out-there, chunky silhouettes, color combinations, and patterns. Many options from brands like Gucci are adorned with silver glitter or other metallic accents. However, more subdued designer sneakers have been trending in recent months.
“In fashion overall, we’ve seen a strong shift from overworked trends to a more minimal aesthetic. Sneakers are following that same pattern, stripping back to basics,” says De Sole, who cites options like Chanel’s Sports Line sneaker and the Prada Downtown Logo sneaker as being “in high demand” among Nordstrom shoppers. If you're not into all-white sneakers, black sneakers are so popular, thanks to brands like Maison Margiela. "We’re also loving get-it-while-you-can designer sneaker collaborations between Alaia x Superga and Adidas x Wales Bonner," she continues.
Deals on Designer Sneakers
The Best Designer Sneakers
I couldn't have a designer sneaker roundup without a pair of silver sparkly—yet wearable!—Golden Goose sneakers. These intentionally worn-in white picks have a leather footbed that molds to your feet for the ultimate comfort. These are available in sizes ranging from an EU 36 through an EU 42—roughly US women’s sizes 6 through 12 with no half sizes. The brand recommends sizing up if you’re in-between sizes. I personally love these sneakers for their leather footbed which only gets more comfortable with wear and doesn’t require a painful breaking-in period.
Customer Review: "These sneakers are incredible. Comfortable right out of the box. A very flattering look for every outfit. Only whole sizes so size up if you are in between. You won't regret this purchase." — Nordstrom
Beauty Editor Samantha Holender has loved these Chloé sneakers for a long time now. “I've had them for a good three years and, while they took a hot minute to break in, have now become my most comfortable shoe,” she says. “The sweet scallop detailing gives the sneaker a feminine touch and sets them apart from the wide sea of white sneakers on the market.” You can shop them in EU sizes 35 through 42, roughly women’s sizes 5 through 12—but no half sizes. Also, it's important to note that there is a breaking-in period with these.
Customer Review: "I normally wear 8.5- 9, I ordered a 9 and it was perfect. They felt stiff when I first put them on, but after one wear they were broken it. These are my new favorites." — Bloomingdale's
De Sole counts this all-white pair of sneakers from Prada as a shopper favorite on Nordstrom's site, and it's not hard to see why: The patent leather finish gives them a slightly more formal look when compared to other sneakers made from canvas or leather. They have a removable insole for added comfort and come in US sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes! The retailer notes that these run true to size, so you should have no issue finding your perfect fit.
Our very own Style Director Sara Holzman reviewed these Chloé Nama sneakers for Marie Claire’s Worth It column when they first launched a few years ago, and they’ve been an editor and reader favorite ever since. Available in a whopping ten colorways, including this pastel combination and an all-white version, you can shop them in US sizes 5 through 12. Sadly, they don’t come in half sizes, but the brand does note that shoppers should go one half-size up if they’re between sizes.
Customer Review: "I normally go towards neutrals but love this fun shoe. Fit was [true to size] for me as a size eight and medium-width shoe. The tongue of the shoes was a sheerer mesh, which I didn’t anticipate but didn’t mind. They are very comfortable to walk in, and I could wear them all day. I was worried they would be too bright, but for me, they were perfect." — Nordstrom
This pair of canvas high tops from Converse and cool-girl brand Comme Des Garcons PLAY is a great way to dip your toe into the world of designer sneakers while still maintaining a budget. Priced at under $200, they're attainable yet elevated. They're just as comfortable as your favorite pair of high-tops but have a designer twist courtesy of the red heart logo and bright red sole. Available in both white and black, you can shop them in women's sizes 5 through 14.
Coming in at just under $300, this pair of Tory Burch Ladybug sneakers is a great way to elevate your summer wardrobe. The shocking blue accents along the sides instantly refresh a little white summer dress or an otherwise monochromatic outfit. If you prefer a color other than blue, check out one of the other nine colorways that this pair comes in. You can shop vibrant pink versions, an all-white alternative, or even a sporty Kelly green option.
Customer Review: "I purchased these to take to France with me. Not only are they cute but very comfy when walking around!! They go with almost everything! I am a size 7, and they fit fine. might have been able to go down to a 6 1/2, but I've had no issues." — Nordstrom
These otherwise all-white sneakers from Alexander McQueen were first released in 2016 and have been a mainstay on the shoe market ever since. They're outfitted with gold detailing—a great way to tie all your summer accessories together. Plus, they're a perfect way to incorporate 2023's metallics trend into your rotation without investing in an entirely new shoe wardrobe or stepping out of your sneaker comfort zone. Some reviewers note they run small but are available in half sizes, making finding your perfect fit a dream.
If you’ve been a longtime Gucci fan and haven’t invested in this pair from the brand, what are you waiting for? From the iconic red-and-green combo to the sweet gold-embroidered bees on the sides, this colorful pick is certainly not for the faint of heart. They’re available in full and half-sizes from an EU 34 to an EU 42. The brand notes that they run large and that going one size down may be the best option. Wear them with an otherwise classic outfit for a fun pop.
Prada's iconic triangle is perfectly emblazoned on this pair of two-tone platform sneakers made from recycled polyester with a rubber sole. Think of this pair as the in-between option between your typical chunky sneakers and the slender, trendier styles. They’re available to shop in several colors, including a sweet baby blue hue that’s perfect for summer, a very Barbiecore baby pink, and this all-time favorite black option. One thing to note is that these are not available in half-sizes.
If, like me, you’re trying to incorporate neutral shades other than black into your wardrobe, consider shades of brown! This pair of Owen Sneakers by The Row—the definitive brand for shoppers obsessed with quiet luxury—are lightweight yet durable thanks to the fact that they’re made with a knitted upper and a rubberized sole. The sleek silhouette is slightly ‘90s inspired, and the chocolate colorway will look great with your summer whites and your usual all-black outfits come fall and winter.
These best-selling tan-and-black sneakers from Loewe continue to be popular amongst the fashion set for 2023. They’re neutral-toned, come in a summery color other than white (making them a bit easier to style in the fall and winter weather!), and are made from a buttery suede material that looks super luxe. While they aren’t available in half-sizes, you can shop them in EU women’s shoe sizes 35 through 41—roughly a US size 5 through a US size 11.
There’s no need to mess around with tricky laces when you buy this pair of sneakers from Isabel Marant. The brand’s classic Beth Sneakers instead fasten with three easy-on-easy-off velcro straps and are made from a super soft white leather upper with a comfortable rubber sole. Reviewers say they do tend to run a tad small and recommend going for one whole size up, so keep that in mind when shopping, especially considering that they aren’t available in half sizes.
Another De Sole-approved pair of designer sneakers comes in this pair of Alaïa x Superga Fishnet Lace-Up Sneakers. Available in both white and black, this see-through pair of sneakers is a fun way to incorporate 2023’s sheer trend into your footwear collection this summer. The cutouts allow you to accessorize your look with a fun or bright pair of socks. These are also a great way to avoid wearing sandals if, like me, you hate showing off your toes in the summer.
If you're looking for a tremendous slip-on designer sneaker option priced at under $300, this pair from Vince is excellent. They're currently available in a few neutral colors other than this white shade—like black and a blush pink hue—this pair is bound to be comfortable for all-day wear courtesy of the sturdy platform and suede upper design. The brand notes that these sneakers run true-to-size and are available in US women's shoe sizes 5 through 13 and include half-sizes.
Customer Review: "This is my 6th pair of Vince slip-on sneakers, and I can't get enough! I have found that while the suede ones run true to size, the leather runs 1/2 size big. I returned my regular 6.5s in all the leather sneakers. Perfect to slip on with jeans and leggings for stylish and comfortable on-the-go wear. Highly Recommend!" — Nordstrom
This pair of best-in-class black sneakers from Maison Margiela check all of the right boxes. They're easy to style, keep clean courtesy of the colorway, and are great for dressing up or down based on your mood. Plus, the iconic Tabi toe design adds a bit of subtly fashionable edge. They're made in Italy and are available in sizes 35 through 41. Wear them with light colors now and with your darker fall and winter shades later.
There are some designer sneakers that you can (and should!) actually go to the gym in. This pair from Loewe, in collaboration with ON, is proof of that fact. It comes in several colors, including this yellow shade, a white version, and black, and is lightweight enough to wear all day. You can shop them in half-sizes and in women's sizes 36 through 42. The brand notes that they run true to size and that they're made in part from recycled materials.
These leather sneakers from Common Projects hug the foot, giving you a sleek, elevated finished look. Silver footwear is trending for 2023, and this pair makes it easy to incorporate metallics into your everyday look. However, you can just as quickly shop them in a white-and-black combination if that's more your style. The brand's range of subdued sneakers has become a cult-favorite hit because the leather molds to your foot as you wear it for added comfort.
Meet The Expert
Rickie de Sole is the Women's Fashion Director at Nordstrom.
